Arizona Diamondbacks - PlayerWatch

August 17, 2012|Reuters

SS Jake Elmore got his first two major league hits, delivering a single and a double. "It's the monkey off your back," he said. "... You're eager to prove what you can do. And I guess for a few games out there I didn't play so you always think, 'Man, can I play here?' I wondered if I got what it takes. Then you go out there and you get a couple hits and, it does, it makes you feel good about yourself. It makes you feel like you can play here."

INF John McDonald was scratched from the starting lineup Thursday after complaining to manager Kirk Gibson that he had a sore elbow. Rookie Jake Elmore started in his place at shortstop and responded with his first two major league hits, delivering a single and a double.

RHP J.J. Putz has converted 14 straight saves and 17 of his last 18. He hasn't been scored upon in 17 consecutive appearances.

LHP Joe Saunders, who took a comebacker off his pitching hand Wednesday night against the Cardinals, was feeling better Thursday."It's just a little black and blue," he said. "It's fine. It feels a lot better than last night. Last night it was a little numb when I tried to throw the next inning. Now it feels much better."